John McAfee, the notorious antivirus software mogul, was discovered deceased in his Spanish prison cell in June 2021, just hours after a court approved his extradition to the United States. He was facing charges of tax evasion and various financial crimes. Officially ruled as a suicide, his death immediately ignited speculation and conspiracy theories. The cryptic note found on him began with, “I AM A PHANTOM PARASITE,” adding fuel to the fire of doubt and suspicion surrounding his demise. The authenticity of the note was questioned by his widow, Janice, who believed it didn’t match McAfee’s state of mind.
Brooklyn-based dystopian post-punk project OPACT, pronounced “Opacity,” is the brainchild of Franco-American musician JMA689. Phantom Parasite, the second single from the upcoming EP Undercurrent, was inspired by an article on John McAfee’s note. The term ‘phantom parasite’ refers to a delusional belief of being infested with non-existent bugs or organisms. This serves as a metaphor for the relentless barrage of news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories that flood our lives daily through social media, traditional media, and various agenda-driven organizations. Phantom Parasite reflects on how these persistent delusions affect our perceptions and reality.
The music revolves around a mechanical beat and a hypnotic bass line. Ominous synths and ghostly guitars add layers of darkness to the mix. Hazy vocals drift in and out, like an imaginary parasite gripping the mind.
The video, a DIY effort shot in the NYC subway, offers a black-and-white vision merging everyday life with the eerie nightmares of mental illness. It flits between dystopian hallucinations of ubiquitous advertising screens and slow-motion, dreamlike glimpses of fellow passengers in those underground silver bullets. This visual narrative captures the unsettling intersection where reality collides with delusion, painting a stark, haunting portrait of the city’s subterranean world.
Watch the video for “Phantom Parasite” below:
OPACT started writing new material earlier this year following the hiatus of his previous band. OPACT finds its roots in both the guitar-based post-punk world, and in a more electronic environment. Phantom Parasite was recorded in NYC and mixed in San Francisco with the help of West Coast producer and studio guru Monte Vallier (The Soft Moon, Houses of Heaven, Topographies). It fuses human sensibilities with more mechanical and cold elements.
Listen to Phantom Parasite below and order here
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